Centipede Grass – Prostrate Spruge

Q: My centipede lawn is being taken over by prostrate spurge. I know I should have put out pre-emergent, but is there anything I can do besides wait for it all to die?

A: Prostrate spurge has wiry stems, a flat growth habit and multitudes of seeds. You’re right that a pre-emergent product might have prevented it. Make a note to apply pendimethalin (Halts), dithiopyr (Crab-Ex), or isoxaben (click for sources) in March and May next year. For now, sulfentrazone (Ortho Nutsedge Killer) is labeled for post-emergent spurge control. Remember that the best weed control is a healthy and vigorous lawn.